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Goldson, Whitner back in the thick of things

Associated Press, News 10 5:24 p.m. PDT August 3, 2012

San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson (center, left) is congratulated by strong safety Donte Whitner (31) for catching an interception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. (PHOTO: US PRESSWIRE)(Photo: KXTV)

SANTA CLARA,CA- For two guys who didn't know each other before last season, Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner sure look like they belong together on the back end of the San Francisco 49ers' defense.

The hard-hitting safeties have picked up this summer where they left off last season, patrolling the deep middle, making the calls for the secondary and working in tandem as though they've been playing side by side for years.

Despite missing all of San Francisco's spring workouts after being designated the team's franchise player, Goldson was on the field for the start of training camp last week and hasn't skipped a beat.

And Whitner, who joined the 49ers last summer as a free agent, has continued to develop as a leader and mentor for others while bringing his usual feisty style to the defensive huddle.